Vessel raising apparatus



Oct. 21, 1952 w. H. CARTER 2,614,518

VESSEL RAISING APPARATUS Filed on. 15, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet l d INVENTOR. 0 IW/ZZ/A/V HAV/ZA/Vfi CARTER,

Oct. 21, 1952 w. H. CARTER VESSEL RAISING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 15, 1946 EYE-.-

I INVENTOR. l V/z z /A M f/A V/ZAMO CARTER I 06% 21, 1952 w. H. CARTER VESSEL RAISING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 15, 1946 A Y NVENTOR W/ZZ/AM HAV/[A/VD CARTER,

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VESSEL RAISING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ins--1 E INVENTOR W/AA /AM //A V/ZAA fi 04mm,

' zywa ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 21, 1952 UNITED s'r-A'res Y VESSEL RAISING-APPARATUS WilliamHaviland Carter, Portland, Maine Application October 15, 1946, Serial No. 703,355

- over the sunken vessel and to accurately engage I each side of the vessel.

It is a further object of my invention to provide, on the near or adjacent sides of the dry dock elements, a multiplicity of penetrating devices to penetrate the sides of thesunken vessel and thereby constitute a lifting engagement with the-vessel. The penetrating devices, preferably, comprise amultiplicity of motor. actuated spring pressed drills arranged to penetrate thesides of the vessel in a multiplicity of closely spaced positions.

Itiis also an object of my invention to provide a. plurality of pumps to pump the water from the dry dockelements whereby the elementsbecome buoyantand thereby lift thepenetrated vessel. Itis :also an objectof my'invention to provide a plurality of adjustablespacing' means for ad'- justaloly connecting the dry dock elements and thereby maintain said elements in properly spacedrelation' to receive the sunken vessel be tweenxthe: dock elements. t I ltiisalso. an object of .lmy invention to: provid a; barge specially constructed to. support the cables, generators, winches, etc. The lowering cables areconnected .to .wincheslocatedin spaced relation. from each other. The electric, cables may besupported on self-windingdrums sothat cablelmay be, paid outer drawn in .by thedrums automatically.

It is a further object of reinforcing bulk heads, partitions, etc., to afford amultiplicity of motor supportsandalso to, providesuitable manholes in said elements andb'ulk heads to make it possible to inspect the motors, drills' and springs used therewith.

'It'is-also an object of my invention to provide tubular 'air, exitsin the-dock elements and in the bulk heads for'the escape of air when pumping ballast into the'dock elements and bulkheads thereof. The air exists are provided with suitable check valves to prevent the entrance'oi water through said exits: 3

Other objects and advantages will be: revealed in the detailed description of my'inventiontaken my invention .to provide 2 in connection. with; my; drawings part off my specification;

Inithedrawings-zv Figure 1, is 'a schematic side. elevational: 'view' of my undersea dry dock elements and the barge connected thereto by suitablercables- Figure 2 isflaschematicend-elevationalviewof my combination. barge andr under sea .dry dock elements in engagement with the sides: of 'the sunken vessel; s;

Fig'ure-3Jisa plan View of my-dry dock elements vessel:

in engagement with the sides of: the sunken Figure; 4215 a transverse-'sectionalzviewfltaken I substantially"on.the ;linei:44:of Figurer5. I Figure, 5 is a longitudinal, horizontalsectional viewiof a portion of. my dry dock elements-:in enagement' withthe; sides of a sunken'vessel taken substantiallyzonsthe line :5-5i of Figure ig but dim plying modified stress and strain supports for the drills.

Figure: 6 is an, upright longitudinalfsectional view. ofarportion of ioneiofmy-drmdockelenients taken substantially on the-line. G- B? of Figure :5; looking in the direction.ofxther'arrowsi Figure? is an upright transverse. sectionaliview similar to, Figure:6 but showing thepositiongof the drills before penetration "of" the sunken vesisel, but also. displaying a further "modifica'tionof stress andstrain supportsfor'the drills;

Figure 18-is anuprightftransverse sectional view of the bargetaken-substantially centrally there".

Figure 9 is a sectionalyiew' of a fragmentlof my: invention showing; a captive combined threaded, nut and: gear. element in mesh with the spur gear of: one of .thespace adjusting motors Figure 10 is a sideielevation of the. triangular cable adjusting metal piece-or plate includingthe cablessuita-bly connectedlthereto.

Figure 11 is an edge elevation of the subict matter of Figure,10 ;,and I Figure .12 is a sectionali'view similar to Figure 9, showing, a groove. ,onefend portion of the screw threadedshaft to receive'the-splinfe to prevent the shaft from rotating whenth'e screw. threaded gear thereon is rotated togproduce a,selectedadjustment;v r e r j The drawings are merely illustrative offthe essentialparts and portions of my'invention and not definitive thereof "except as set forthintlie *cljaimedf subject matter herein. 3

I The reference characters identifythe'details ofmy-invention'as discloseddntheldrawings? the written description'thereofi- TET E? which: formia In order to use my invention, it is necessary to determine the condition of the sunken vessel by a bathysphere to ascertain its inclination, if any, from a vertical plane so that adjustments may be made to properly guide the dry dock elements to engage accurately the sides of the sunken vessel V.

The barge I contains a series or plurality of winches such as are illustrated at 2 in Figure 8. Each winch 2 is connected with a lowering cable as 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, etc. The lowering cables are spaced from each other throughout the length of the barge I. The space between the lowering cables should not be more than thirty feet. Each lowering cable is provided with a pair of divergent cables 8 and 9. Each main cable as 3, 4, etc., is provided with a plate as I0, I I, I2, etc., including a shackle. The divergent cables 8 and 9 are adjustably attached to the respective plates to control the amount of tilt, list orincline of the dry dock elements to accommodate the reception of an inclined sunken vessel. All of the plates as H), II, I2, I3, I4, etc., must have the .same adjustment relation of their divergent cables as 8 and 9.

Each cable as 3 is reeved over a swiveled pulley I5. The sets of electric cables I6, Il, I8 may be contained in a single tube instead of a plurality of tubes I9, 20 and 2I, as shown in Figure 8. The cables I6, I'I, I8 are also reeved over swiveled pulleys 22, 23, and 24, These electric cables I5, I! and I8 lead into the barge to drums (not shown) located in convenient positions within the barge or on its deck. The tubes I9, 20, 2i.

and 25, under normal conditions, prevent the entrance of water into the barge I since the tubes are secured in a waterproof fashion about the apertures, respectively, in the bottom of the barge and furthermore, the tubes are tall enough to extend amply above the water level outside of the barge.

The sets of electric cables as I 6, I1, I8 and their tap branches lead from the drums (not shown) in the barge I to electric motors 25 to 43, inclusive, in the dry dock elements.

The dry dock elements 50 and are adjustably connected for selected spacing relation by heavy screw. threaded shafts 52 to 55, inclusive, located and extending through the end portions of the dry dock elements as clearly shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. It will be noted that I have shown four shafts as a suitable number to be used, but it is contemplated that six or eight,

etc., could be used if desired.

The diameter of the shafts, as 52, etc., if only four are used, should be of sufiicient size to withstand the tremendous strain placed upon them. If more than four shafts are-used on the same size of dry dock elements, they may be made correspondingly of lesser diameter in accordance with engineering practice.

In order that my invention may be more readily and mentally visualized, attention is called to the fact that the sunken vessel V may be five hundred and fifty feet (550 ft.) long, consequently the dry dock elements would each have to be substantially 650 feet long so that the threaded shafts 52, 53, etc., would be located clear of and beyond the bow and stem of the sunken vessel V. Supposing the sunken vessel V has sides 33 feet high; that would means the space available for penetration by drills and would be approximately 450 feet by 25 feet which would amount to 11,250 sq. ft. foreach side.

In making this calculation feet is allowed for the curved portion of the bow and 50 feet for the curved portion of the stern of the sunken vessel, i. e. 0(50+50)=450. In connection with the 33 feet sides an allowance of 8 feet is made for irregularities of the sea bottom including the presence of sand or mud or both in addition to inclination of the sunken vessel. I contemplate placing drills approximately one foot apart, provided that, that many would be needed, which would make a grand total of drills contemplated amount to 22,500.

The estimated size of each drill should be one and. one-fourth inches in diameter and, at least, six feet long. Of course, the number and size of drills needed could be accurately calculated by applicable engineering practice.

Each drill 55 is connected to and operated by an individual electric motor 28, 29, 38, 3|, etc. The sides of the dry dock elements carrying the drills are provided with spaced walls 51, 58, 59 and 60. These walls may be spaced two feet apart and said walls constitute supports for the drills 56. The walls about the apertured portions for the drills are preferably reinforced by the addition of suitably contoured pieces or blocks of steel as indicated by El, 62, 63 and 64. These reinforcing pieces or blocks may be welded to the walls 51, 58, 59 and 50, as shown in Figure 4.

The dimensions, stated above, are maximum sizes and dimensions but it may be desirable to adopt smaller sizes and dimensions. It appears to be most feasible to consider much smaller sizes. From the engineering standpoint it has been concluded that it is more feasible to use a plurality of screw threaded shafts 52, 53, etc. Four or more could be used on each pair of associated dry dock end-s. 'By increasing the number of shafts above two on each pair of clock ends the sum total of shaft weight could be most favorably reduced, especially in view of the fact that the shafts are widely spaced apart.

It is to be noted, Fig. 2, that the shafts are spaced apart vertically a distance substantially equal to the width of the sunken vessel V. If four or more shafts are used the horizontal spacing could be set at the feasible minimum distance required for good engineering practice. The unengaged part of the shafts located between each pair of ends of the dry docks is substantially as long as the over all beam of the sunken ship or vessel V. The over all beam of 'a vessel is usually a little over one-tenth of its length, therefore a vessel 300 feet long would ordinarily have an all over beam of over 30 feet. Consequently, the unsupported middle zone of each screw threaded shaft wouldbe over 30 feet long. The

I full length of each shaft would be approximately feet long. It is estimated that the shafts should each have a diameter of 2% inches to 2% inches to maintan the dry docks in set spaced relation. This maintenance of substantially spaced relation is substantially the sole function of the threaded shafts 52, 53, 54, etc.

The suggested use of a drill 55 in every square foot of area on each side of the sunken vessel V appears to be a maximum quantity and could probably be reduced four or eight fold. It is merely necessary that a sufficient number be used. The number of drills used should be enough to prevent tearing, at the drill holes, of the sheet material of the hull of the sunken vessel.

It is not contemplated that it would be feasible to attempt to salvage a vessel having a list or of may be maderemovable. When removing a motor as 29, the spring 66 is first removed then the drill B is detached from the motor and finally one'flange of the guide is removed so that the motor may be removed from its guide 65.

In this connection, it is contemplated that most of the manholes may be placed in the walls 50 and 51 and they may be placed for the most part directly back of the motors 28, 29, 30, 3|, etc., so thatthe motors and drills could be removed baokwardly through the manholes. When the motors, drills and springs are replaced, the springs could be supported in place over the manholes by flat bars (not shown) each having a positioning stud to engage and position the rear end of the spring in alignment with the motor.

When the dry dock elements 50 and 5| are in position one on each side of the sunken vessel V and the drills 56 have penetrated the sides of the vessel then it is time to apply the lifting power to the elements 50 and 5| and likewise to the sunken vessel through the medium of the multiplicity of the penetrated drills.v In order to provide the lifting power, through the medium of buoyancy imparted to the elements 50 and 5|, the water ballast must be pumped from the elements. For this purpose, I have provided a plurality of reversible pumps 86 and 87, two of which are shown in Fig. 4 and one in Fig. '7. The motor 34 and the motor 35 are connected directly and respectively with pumps 88 and 81, Figs. 4 and 7. I contemplate using any suitable variety of pumps that will successfully remove the ballast from the elements 50 and 5|. I also contemplate the use of air compressors and generators to assist the pumps in pumping out the ballast. The compressors (not shown) would be operated by electric motors. The compressors will produce air pressure within the elements 59] and 5| and their bulk head compartments. The pumps are propelled by electric motors 34 and 35 operatively connected to pumps 86 and 81'.

The motors 34 and 35 are provided with remote control means located in the barge l.-

The lower adjacent longitudinal edges 90 and 9! are and should be rounded in long sweeping curves to aid in guiding the united elements 58 and 5! over the top edges of the sunken vessel. Because of the lack of space on the regulation size of my drawings, it has been impossible to disclose a multiplicity of motors and drills such as contemplated in actual use.

In operating my novel mechanism, it is contemplated that the barge l containing its sets of winches, drums and cables and all other necessary equipment, including a bathysphere, will. be moved by a tug or otherwise, together with the dry dock elements, to a position directly over the sunken vessel V. If it is feasible to mark the position of the sunken vessel by floats, it should be done initially to facilitate the positioning of the connected elements 50 and 5! directly over the sunken vessel. If the elements 50 and 5! have already been adjusted for the width of the sunken vessel, this adjustment should be checked to determine if it is still correct and if not it should be readjusted accurately to the correct spacing. Y

All cable connections between the barge and the elements 50 and 5| should be carefully made. When the dock elements 50 and 5| are carefully placed in the desired position, the barge should be moved to one side of the connected dock elements but previously to moving the barge I to one side of the dock elements ample cable should be carefully paid outso that the dock elements will not be disturbed. In making the cable connections, the inclination adjustment of the sets of cables 8 and 9 should be carefully made to produce the desired results. All of the cables having been properly connected and secured and proper relative positions of clock elements and barge maintained then the dock elements are ready to be slowly sunk by the admission of water thereto through sea cocks or pumps preferably controlled by electric motors located on the dock elements. It is now desired that the dock elements be gradually lowered under the watchful eye of the bathysphere. The descent of the dock elements can be signaled from the bathysphere. It is contemplated that the dock elements may be jockeyed to a more nearly perfect position by the lowering cables connected to the barge I. When the walls of the dock elements 50 and 51 are strong enough, then the walls 51, 58, 59 and 60 need no reinforcing blocks, but rubber washers 92 can be used as clearly shown in Fig. 5 to prevent undue leakage. Fig. 5 to the extent above indicated represents a modified construction different from that disclosed in Figs. 4 and '7.

In order to prevent leakage into the dock elements and their bulk heads, conical rubber washers 92 may be applied to the drills 56. The washers 92 should be located on the drills 56 and having their bases securely attached to the walls 51, 58, 59 and 50, as shown in Figure 5.

From the foregoing description of the construc-' tion of my improved under sea dry dock, the method of applying same to use will be readily understood, and it will be seen that I have provided a comparatively simple, inexpensive and efficient means for carryin out the various objects of the invention. While I have described the elements best adapted to perform the functions set forth, it is apparent that various changes in form, proportion and in the minor details of construction may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit thereof or sacrificing any of theprinciples of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. Equipment for salvaging vessels sunken in deep sea positions, said equipment comprising a barge in combination with adjustably connected oppositely disposed dry dock elements, said barge spectively oppositely disposed ends of said dock elements and extending transversely there through, the arrangement and location of said threaded shafts being in positions clear of and beyond the bow and stern, respectively, of a sunken vessel to be lifted, said threaded shafts in each pair of dock element ends being located in spaced relation above and below the horizontal longitudinal central plane of said dock elements, captive screw threaded gears mounted in said dock elements and on said screw threaded shafts, electric motors mounted in said dock elements and having gears, each respectively meshing with the captive gears whereby said captive gears may be actuated to adjust the shafts relative to the dock elements, said electric motors being controlled through said electric cables, said dock elements. being. provided with bulkheads and partitions to reinforce said dock elements, a

' multiplicity of drilling motors and supports therefor mounted within the respective dock elements and adjacent the inner sides thereof, each of said drilling motors carryinga penetrating, drill adapted to penetrate the side of a sunken vessel located between said dock elements, said supports comprising guides to direct the respective motors and their drills forwardly, means interposed between the bulkheads and the respective motors to urge them forwardly when actuated, control means for the drilling motors located in said barge whereby the drills may be actuated to penetrate the sides of a sunken vessel, pumps in said elements to pump the ballast out of the dock elements and thereby impart buoyant quality to the dock elements whereby a penetrated sunken vessel located between said dock elements may be lifted to a floating condition near said barge, said pumps being provided with electric motors havingcontrol means located insaid barge.

2. Equipment for salvaging vessels sunken in deep sea positions, said equipment comprising a barge in combination with adjustably connected oppositely disposed dry dock elements, said barge and dry dock elements being connected by controlling cables suspended from said barge, said cables being respectively connected to separate winches located on the deck of said barge, electric cables leading from said barge to electric motors located in said dry dock elements, a plurality of screw threaded shafts, said shafts connecting the respectively oppositely disposed ends of said dock elements and extending transversely therethrough, the arrangement and location of said shafts being in positions clear of and beyond the bow and stern, respectively of a sunken vessel to be lifted, said threaded shafts in each pair of dock element ends being located in spaced relation and in substantially parallel upright planes, captive screw threaded gears mounted in said dock elements and on said screw threaded shafts, electric motors mounted in said dock elements and having gears, each respectively meshing with the captive gears whereby said captive gears may be actuated to adjust the shafts relative to the dock elements, said electric motors being controlled through said electric cables, said dock elements being provided with bulkheads and partitions to reinforce said dock elements, a multiplicity of drilling motors and supports therefor mounted within the respective dock elements and adjacent the inner sides thereof, each of said drilling motors carrying a penetrating drill adapted to penetrate the side of a sunken vessel located between said dock elements, said supports and their drills forwardly, means interposed between the bulkheads and the respective motors to urge them forwardly when actuated, control means for the drilling motors located in said barge whereby the drills may be actuated to penetrate the sides of a sunken vessel, pumps in said elements to pump the ballast out of the dock elements and thereby impart buoyant quality to the dock elements whereby a penetrated sunken vessel located between said dock elements may be lifted to a floating condition near said barge, said pumps being provided with electric motors having control means located in said barge.

3. The construction set forth in claim 2, in which said drills are initially located entirely within said dry dock elements.

4. The construction set forth in claim 2, in

which the drills of each dry dock element are all of the drills in substantially rectilinear relation to each other whereby said drills may be propelled forwardly in rectilinear paths.

5. The construction set forth in claim 2, in which said dock elements are provided with stress and strain supports welded to the inner opposed sides of the dock elements adapted to be engaged by said drills in the operation thereof.

6. The construction set forth in claim 2, in which said controlling cables are provided with upright triangular plates suspended by said cables by articulate connection to one corner thereof, said triangular plates having a series of apertures adjacent their upright divergent edges, divergent auxiliary cables respectively connected at their upper ends to the divergent edges at a selected apertured portion thereof, the lower ends of said auxiliary cables being connected respectively to said dry dock elements whereby the list of the dry dock elements may be adjusted to correspond to the list of a sunken vessel.

WILLIAM HAVILAND CARTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,373,574 -Swaney Apr. 5, 1921 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 150,469 Great Britain Sept. 9, 1920 

